Adventures of Groo the Mangler: A Legendary DD Character and His Hilarious Mistakes
Groo the Mangler, a half-orc fighter, is one of my most memorable and iconic characters from Dungeons and Dragons (DD) days. While I initially grudgingly created him for a weekend game, his antics quickly endeared him to both the Dungeon Master (DM) and the other players. In this article, we'll explore the hilarious and often chaotic escapades of Groo the Mangler and one particular instance that even led to a piece of entertainment in a dungeon.
The Birth of Groo the Mangler
One day, I was nagged into playing a DD game when I wasn't in the mood. Reluctantly, I crafted a half-orc fighter, which I named Groo the Mangler. Armed with a helmet, shield, and a flail adorned with an iron skull, he became a unique and unexpected presence in the group.
Over the course of two days, Groo grew from a grudging participant to a beloved character within the party. His actions and rude behavior were so ridiculous and entertaining that the DM and other players slowly started to warm up to him. It was as though Steve Martin was playing his “Wild and Crazy Guys” character or “Sloth” from The Goonies, but with an epic fantasy twist.
Adventures and Chaotic Escapes
One memorable adventure involved Groo charming a guard to gain access to a restricted area. The Charm Person spell worked, making the guard friendly and cooperative. However, the consequences were far more comical than intended.
Once inside, the group accidentally triggered an alarm, attracting nearby guards. The charmed guard, now realizing he was under a spell and feeling confused, began shouting for help, leading to a chaotic chase through the city. The party had to navigate through alleys and rooftops while the charmed guard, still feeling friendly, tried to...
The Dragon Cavern Encounter
The climax of an adventure with Groo the Mangler was an encounter with a big red dragon. The party was weak and unable to confront the dragon directly, so they placed Groo on a rock ledge above the dragon's cave. The dragon had already decimated the higher-level party members, and as they rushed out of the cave, Groo was tasked with distracting the dragon.
Groo, with his low-level status and a few curses, decided to insult and annoy the dragon. He called it names and repeatedly yelled “Storm!”—hitting himself now and then due to his low charisma. The DM conceded that this would indeed annoy a dragon and had the dragon turn towards Groo. Groo then attempted a daring plan: he would leap towards the dragon's mouth, throw a water skin, and hope the dragon would blow back the flame, extinguishing it.
Against all odds, Groo rolled three consecutive double-oughts, leading to a moment of pure chaos. The dragon's fire blew out, Groo suffered only a quarter of the fire damage, and the remainder was extinguished. The party finished off the de-flamed dragon, and every high-level healing spell and potion was cast on Groo in appreciation.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Groo's antics led to such admiration that the DM publicly announced that Groo and his flail-skull had attained demi-godhood and would be used as an encounter in future campaigns. To this day, Groo remains one of my favorite characters in DD history, embodying the spirit of absurdity and entertainment.
So, the next time you venture into an adventure, keep an eye out for an 11th-level half-orc demigod fighter named Groo the Mangler. His legacy is one of chaos, humor, and unforgettable moments.